Longtime NFL Coach Has Passed Away At 72

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 08: A detail of the official National Football League NFL logo is seen painted on the turf as the New York Giants host the Atlanta Falcons during their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at MetLife Stadium on January 8, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Sad news struck the NFL this past weekend, as former coach Gunther Cunningham passed away at the age of 72 after his fight with cancer.

Cunningham spent over four decades of his life coaching the game of football. His various roles with college programs and NFL franchises always revolved around his ability to lead a defense.

The first major team to give Cunningham a chance at the professional level were the Baltimore Colts. Following his time there, he had tenures with the San Diego Chargers and the Los Angeles Raiders.

His most significant runs in the NFL came with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions. The former gave him an opportunity to be a head coach for two seasons, meanwhile his time with latter lasted roughly eight years.

Tons of coaches, players and reporters have come out on social media to share their personal stories about Cunningham.

Even though it’s an unfortunate loss for the NFL, it’s apparent that Cunningham had a positive impact on those around him.

Long-time NFL coach Gunther Cunningham, who served as the Chiefs' HC from 1999-2000 and as a defensive coordinator for the Raiders and Lions as well, passed away over the weekend. He was 72.